Packers chat with Ryan Wood

Monday, Jan. 23 transcript

Ryan I hope your chat is the first to report Dom Crapers firing, he has been an imposter for the past three years time he is fired

by Bob1/23/2017 7:01:40 PM

And we're off and running on the first day of the Green Bay Packers offseason. Not surprised to see questions about the defense this afternoon, obviously. That was one putrid showing from start to finish. No news today on Dom Capers. To address the elephant in the room, I'd still expect him to be the defensive coordinator next season. I don't think he'll be fired. But I keep thinking about what Mike McCarthy said after an admirable defensive showing in last season's playoff loss at Arizona: This defense, he said, needed to be a championship-caliber defense. Flash forward to yesterday, and that defense gave up 44 points in the first 48 minutes, six touchdowns on the first 8 possessions (with a field goal thrown in there), and allowed the Falcons to convert 10 of their first 12 third downs. That's incredible. Can't win a championship playing that way. So you would think Mike McCarthy needs to think long and hard this offseason about the future of this defense.

by Ryan Wood1/23/2017 7:05:00 PM

As for Clay Matthews, he was clearly overpaid this season for his production. A large part of that was injuries, but Matthews was far from an elite edge rusher in 2016. With that said, he's by far the most talented edge defender they have. He was active yesterday, if far from dominant. The Packers only hit Matt Ryan six times, and Matthews had a team-high three of those. The Packers simply aren't cutting Clay Matthews. Won't happen. And he's under no obligation to take a pay cut. But they need him to play much, much better in 2017.

by Ryan Wood1/23/2017 7:06:33 PM

Is the problem Capers D or Thompson not being able to draft defensive players. I know Rodgers makes players better but the D is ridiculous.

by Scotty1/23/2017 7:07:16 PM

I don't see a lot of talent on this defense. I see an aging pass rush that was ineffective. I see wide-open receivers on the perimeter every week. I see a defense with major holes at the two most important positions: edge rusher and cornerback. Shadow Julio Jones with LaDarius Gunter? Seriously? That's never going to work on a big stage like the NFC championship game, but Dom Capers didn't have a choice. Damarious Randall, the first-round draft pick last season, wasn't a real option for the job. So I'd argue a lack of talent is the biggest problem for this defense, not scheme. Where are the difference makers? The game changers? Ultimately, that falls on Ted Thompson.

by Ryan Wood1/23/2017 7:10:39 PM

Think we'll hear within the next couple weeks of Dom Capers firing? By mid next month Ted Thompson should follow.

by Luigi Castellino1/23/2017 7:10:55 PM

There are real problems on that defense, but I don't think anyone is getting fired. Certainly not Ted Thompson. I certainly understand the frustration on a day like this, but you don't make firings after eight straight playoff trips and two conference championship game appearances in three years. That's not to excuse what happened yesterday. This defense needs to be rebuilt during the offseason, and I don't think the NFL draft is enough to do it. But don't expect firings.

by Ryan Wood1/23/2017 7:13:08 PM

I'm interested on Randall's future with the Packers, is he back? I thnk he's mentally done and can't recover.

by Tony in Ashland1/23/2017 7:13:17 PM

The Packers are going to have to decide that this season. It'll be a very interesting evaluation of him. To me, Damarious Randall could be the Davante Adams of 2016. Everyone counted out Adams last season. I mean, it was hard not to. But he more than recovered this year, showing he can be a good receiver in this league. Adams' two problems last year were injuries and pressure early in his career after Jordy Nelson went down. This year, Randall's two problems were injuries and pressure early in his career after Sam Shields went down. Randall is clearly talented, but he week by week he looked largely noncompetitive after returning from groin injury. Was that because of his health? Was it lack of confidence? The Packers need to figure it out, because they can't have a first-round corner playing like that.

by Ryan Wood1/23/2017 7:15:46 PM

Ryan how about an evaluation of Packer coaches--we seem to have a lot of non inspiring, over the hill stayed too long assistant coaches--maybe some new blood plus a total revamp of defensive side of ball is need along with releasing Clements and Bennett

by Bob1/23/2017 7:16:22 PM

Mike McCarthy fired two assistants (Sam Gash and Jerry Fontenot) last year. There could be staff changes this offseason, sure. But you can't just keep firing assistants and expect a noncompetitive defense to magically turned into a championship-caliber defense.

by Ryan Wood1/23/2017 7:18:32 PM

Who is resigned among Lang, Cook, Tretter, Hyde, and Starks. Does Cobb have to take a pay cut and what are top two draft priorities ?

by Iowa Pack1/23/2017 7:18:42 PM

Haven't heard much on some guys. I expect Jared Cook to be back for multiple years. I think they need to bring back Micah Hyde; he does too many things for this defense. Hyde is especially important if they want to play Morgan Burnett more at linebacker in their subpackages. It's just a guess, but I would be surprised to see James Starks back, despite another year remaining on his roster. I think Nick Perry is back. Don't know about Datone Jones, but it would have to be for the right price. As for T.J. Lang, that may be the toughest decision. I think the wise move is to bring him back, even if that risks keeping Jason Spriggs as a backup. You can replace a guard, but Lang is important to the fabric of that locker room. With that said, you can replace a guard. So Lang's return would probably have to be at the right price.

by Ryan Wood1/23/2017 7:21:42 PM

While the secondary was exposed, they sure didn't get much help from the DL and LB's. Matt Ryan is not considered a mobile quarterback, yet they barely were able to get a pass rush on him, even when blitzed. That's a lot of salary cap and resources that didn't get it done. All things considered, where do they go from here?

by CJ in MN1/23/2017 7:22:08 PM

Start with the first round of the NFL draft. The two biggest draft needs are outside linebacker and cornerback. You can arrange them however you like; both need to be addressed this offseason.

by Ryan Wood1/23/2017 7:22:57 PM

I've been saying to friends for the past 3 years that TT should be fired. Yes the injuries have not helped, but continuing to draft poorly on the defensive side of the ball and to continue to think that you can just plug in practice squad players is just beyond me. There aren't any excuses for him anymore and the media and fans need to accept this.

by Private1/23/2017 7:23:41 PM

Good thing is from the media, you get a perspective with context. You don't have to be a Ted Thompson apologist to say NFL GMs who make eight straight playoff appearances and two conference title games in three years get fired. Don't believe me? Go out and find another example of that happening in the league. You can't. Ted Thompson doesn't need to be fired, but he needs to be flexible. He needs to be more open to free agency. I think just about everyone sees that. We'll see this offseason if he does.

by Ryan Wood1/23/2017 7:26:19 PM

Ryan- how many times have we heard MM talk about getting the run game going (a good idea in the first half of yesterday's game to keep the ball away from Ryan) and once again fall in love with Aaron's arm? Montgomery had 3 runs for the whole game.

by Bob Hurd1/23/2017 7:26:38 PM

This team fell behind 10-0 before they could blink. They should've scored points on both of their first drives if not for a missed field goal and red-zone fumble. They trailed 24-0 at halftime. And they had a red-hot Aaron Rodgers. The Packers did not lose because they didn't run more. That had zero factor.

by Ryan Wood1/23/2017 7:27:49 PM

At this point in his career, can Clay stay healthy enough to contribute regularly? You have to move on from Peppers and his salary, don't you?

by CJ in MN1/23/2017 7:28:08 PM

Well, Julius Peppers becomes a free agent this spring because his initial three-year contract with the Packers expires. So it wouldn't be a salary dump from the Packers' end. Ultimately, my guess is that Julius Peppers calls it a career. While it ended up working, Peppers was clearly frustrated this year with learning how to contribute in a limited role. He's already a likely Hall of Famer. I don't think he wants to hang on just to get a ring if it means playing a quarter of the snaps. Just my guess.

by Ryan Wood1/23/2017 7:29:56 PM

Hi Ryan, By my count there are 7 first round picks on the starting defense (Peppers, Matthews, Perry, Jones, Clark, Randall and HaHa), but only 2 on offense (AR and Bulaga). Despite this huge imbalance the defense is still terrible and really has been since 2011. You could argue over whether it's TT's fault or Caper's fault, or just bad luck on injuries. But since TT isn't going anywhere is it time for Big Mac to part ways with Dom Capers?

by Digger1/23/2017 7:30:34 PM

I'll be honest, before yesterday, I never once thought the Packers should even entertain the idea of firing Dom Capers. Even now, it's not something they have to do. Sorry to the #fireDomCapers crowd, but it's unjust to put all of this on him. With that said, it's clear what happened yesterday simply can not happen. There's no excuse for it. Around the league, it's the type of showing that could cost a job. Will it in Green Bay? The Packers are known for their patience, so I wouldn't expect it. But, again, Mike McCarthy has to think about the future direction of his defense this offseason.

by Ryan Wood1/23/2017 7:32:34 PM

Is there another defense in the league with as many first round picks (7) at the Packers? Are they just picking the wrong players or just terrible at using good players?

by Derek1/23/2017 7:33:04 PM

That's a great question, Derek. I don't know the answer, unfortunately. But you gave me a good story idea. As for picking the wrong players or bad development from coaches, it's hard to say. Could be both.

by Ryan Wood1/23/2017 7:33:40 PM

Did Rollins and Randall just experience bumps in the road or is there real reason for concern?

by Jimmylord1/23/2017 7:34:23 PM

Might be the No. 1 question of the offseason. Packers better figure it out.

by Ryan Wood1/23/2017 7:34:35 PM

What do the Packers do about running back for 2017? Lacy? Montgomery? Michels? draft pick and if so what round do they target?

by Mike S1/23/2017 7:34:51 PM

If they can retain Eddie Lacy for the right price, I think he's back as the starter. Maybe a one-year deal. If not, it becomes the top draft priority on offense. Even if Lacy is back, the Packers probably should use a mid-round pick on a secondary tailback. As for Ty Montgomery, we'll find out when Mike McCarthy gives his end-of-the-season address what his future holds, but the Packers don't need another receiver -- especially with Geronimo Allison's emergence. I think Ty Montgomery gives them more value as a running back, and he proved to be a good one as well. He needs to improve in pass pro, but his natural ability to catch out of the backfield presents matchup problems.

by Ryan Wood1/23/2017 7:37:17 PM

Please somehow consider draft position when you are comparing teams' first round draft selections.

by GeorgeM1/23/2017 7:37:57 PM

That's certainly a fair point, George. Picking at the end of the first round every year doesn't help. Which is why the occasional free agent is probably a good idea.

by Ryan Wood1/23/2017 7:38:39 PM

Any chance John Dorsey could be hired for '17, or is he bound to KC through next season?

by Jamie1/23/2017 7:39:36 PM

John Dorsey is contractually obligated to the chiefs through the end of the 2018 season.

by Ryan Wood1/23/2017 7:39:59 PM

Have to disagree on the lack of a running game. This was the big hole in the offense yesterday.

by Red tail1/23/2017 7:40:06 PM

No, it wasn't. Turnovers, a missed kick, a failed blitz pickup. These were the holes. The Packers rushed 17 times for 87 yards in Dallas and won. They rushed 17 times for 99 yards yesterday and lost. You don't run more when you're trailing multiple touchdowns on the road against a team your defense can not stop.

by Ryan Wood1/23/2017 7:41:51 PM

I'm not sure why everyone is so high on Hyde. He makes the occasional play, but more often, gets beat by a TE, or doesn't cover well deep. What's his market? Little, outside of GB, I'd bet.

by Jamie1/23/2017 7:41:58 PM

In a word, versatility. If the Packers don't re-sign him, he'll get a job elsewhere because of his ability to play multiple positions and contribute on special teams as a returner. He's a good player, too. Not a Pro Bowler. But you need a Micah Hyde on your team. He is not the problem for this Packers defense.

by Ryan Wood1/23/2017 7:43:03 PM

Patriots have been picking at back of every round for 15 years. Draft position not an excuse for a terrible defense

by Dave1/23/2017 7:43:26 PM

The Patriots are led by the most brilliant personnel evaluator the game has ever seen. Not everyone is Bill Belichick. Actually, nobody is.

by Ryan Wood1/23/2017 7:44:29 PM

I might be going against the grain here, but what about trying to sign Lacy for multiple years at a bargain price. If he gets his weight down, there is not reason he cannot be our feature back for at least three more years.

by Josh1/23/2017 7:44:46 PM

It's that one, little word in your question that would give me pause, and I'd expect it to give the Packers pause. If. As in, "if he gets his weight down," or if the Packers can trust him to take care of himself during the offseason while on a multi-year contract. I'm not sure they can. Which is why I think a one-year deal makes the most sense.

by Ryan Wood1/23/2017 7:46:01 PM

Does retaining Wolf and Gutenkust mean they will have a bigger say in personnel decisions?

by Randy1/23/2017 7:46:12 PM

No. Ted Thompson still gets final call. It's his ship to steer.

by Ryan Wood1/23/2017 7:46:27 PM

I think Mike McCarthy believes in the value of continuity. It's difficult to change coordinators, a risk many Super Bowl contenders don't want to take. Not to mention this little question: what if firing Dom Capers doesn't make the defense better? Any time a decision of that magnitude is made in the NFL, it's rarely an open-and-shut, simple case.